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76 Macbeth [Act ill 

For 't would have anger'd any heart alive 
To hear the men deny't. So that, I say, 
He has borne all things well : and I do think 
That, had he Duncan's sons under his key — 
As, and't please heaven, he shall not — they should 

find 
What 'twere to kill a father ; so should Fleance. 2 o 
But, peace \ for from broad words, and 'cause he 

fail'd 
His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear 
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell 
Where he bestows himself? 

Lord. The son of Duncan, 

From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth, 
Lives in the English court, and is receiv'd 
Of the most pious Edward with such grace 
That the malevolence of fortune nothing 
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff 
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid 30 

To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward: 
That by the help of these, with Him above 
To ratify the work, we may again 
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, 
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives, 
Do faithful homage and receive free honours: 
All which we pine for now : and this report 
Hath -so exasperate their king that he 
Prepares for some attempt of war. 

Lennox. Sent he to Macduff?